Austrian Fruit Soup (Früchte-Suppe)
A refreshing and slightly sweet soup made from a variety of dried and sometimes fresh fruits, often thickened and served chilled as a dessert or light meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 liter Water
- 300 g Assorted dried fruits(e.g., apricots, prunes, raisins, apples, pears; chopped)
- 100 g Sugar(or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 1 Star anise (optional)
- 2 tbsp Potato starch or cornstarch(mixed with 4 tbsp cold water)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the dried fruits and soak them in water for about 20 minutes if they are very dry. Chop larger fruits into bite-sized pieces.
💡 Tip: Soaking helps to rehydrate the fruits and reduce cooking time. - 2
In a large pot, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon stick, and star anise (if using). Bring to a boil.
- 3
Add the prepared dried fruits to the boiling water. Reduce heat and simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the fruits are tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 4
Remove the cinnamon stick and star anise from the pot.
- 5
In a small bowl, whisk together the potato starch (or cornstarch) with cold water to create a slurry.
- 6
Gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering fruit soup. Continue to cook, stirring, until the soup thickens slightly.
💡 Tip: The soup should have a consistency similar to a thin syrup. - 7
Stir in the lemon juice. Taste and add more sugar if needed.
💡 Tip: Lemon juice balances the sweetness and adds brightness. - 8
Let the soup cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until well chilled.
- 9
Serve the chilled fruit soup in bowls. It can be garnished with a dollop of sour cream, yogurt, or a sprinkle of fresh fruit.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can use a mix of fresh and dried fruits, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- ✓For a smoother soup, you can blend a portion of the cooked fruit before adding the thickener.
- ✓Adjust the sweetness to your preference; some prefer it less sweet, allowing the fruit's natural sugars to shine.
🔄 Variations
- Add a handful of fresh berries (like raspberries or blueberries) in the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of fruit liqueur (like kirsch or rum) for an adult version.
- Serve warm as a comforting dessert on a cold day.